Why do you love your favourite dog breed?

morganafay

I'm really interested to know why people choose a certain breed of dog, and love it more than any other breed? There are some breeds that I mightn't like, but other people love, so I'd love to know why? And then there are dogs that I don't know much about, e.g. Staffies, their owners seem to always say what amazing dogs they are, but what is it that makes them your favourite?

Like did you grow up with them, is it their energy, some personality trait, their loyalty or what?

I love Cavaliers because they're always incredible friendly, energetic, easy to care for and a little bit because they're pretty dogs They also are quite cat-like, they love sitting on your lap all day, and I love cats.

I also love Springers and other gundogs, for their personalities. I'd love a Golden Retriever because they're very sweet. Overall for me, a dog should be friendly, cuddly and never any bit aggressive. Liveliness is also important.

Why do you love your breed? (Including mongrels!)

getz

i love staffies as well and i believe they are the best dog breed for children,i used to breed and show staffies [for over 30 years],i have now moved on to for the last 10 years ]english bulldogs, the reason? i love their lazyness and stubborn ways,one handycap is that if you take them for walkies expect to be stopped in the street every few yards by people who want to pat them

homer simpson

Hard to beat a good labrador, ive grown up around them i know how to train them (the basics), they are aways full of beans and eger to do pretty much anything ya instruct them too, i am yet to come across an angry lab, they bark and sometimes look mean (mine has a very angry sounding bark) but never seen on with any intent.

P.S. my grandfather has an 18 year old black lab/cross, i must get some pics of here for here, you can tell she is old slow movements but still do this days sits in front of me and gives her paw!!!!

Sigma Force

Top of the list has to be a good ould Heinz 57 great variety and mixes and we have the prettiest one on the planet.

Next would be collies, because they are nuts, very clever and keep you going.

Next then would be Phalenes & Papillons, in a way like a very mini collie our guy reminds me of both our other dogs ones a collie ones a Heinz 57.
They are full of energy like a collie and dainty like our Heinz 57.
Very clever but love to plonk on your lap, we can't have cats here so they are the next best thing. Love to climb and curl up in the heat.

Bearded collies then just because they are so darn cute.
Irish terriers and any pretty dogs I'm afraid I do prefer cute and fluffy and collie mixes are always fab.

lrushe

My fav would be the good 'ole German Shephard, I don't think they can be beat for looks, intelligence and loyality, they are the whole package imo of course
A close second would be almost any of the bully breeds, they have such an amazing integrity to them and are so genuine they would lay down their lives for their master, two trait which are often exploited by the wrong people

boodlesdoodles

I love Westies, and especially the one I have. They have great sense of fun, and their strong determined character and spirit make them great to be around. There's never a dull moment with them and mad half hour every evening when he runs laps of the living room never ceases to make me laugh.

morganafay

Guineapigrescue wrote: »

Next then would be Phalenes & Papillons, in a way like a very mini collie our guy reminds me of both our other dogs ones a collie ones a Heinz 57.
They are full of energy like a collie and dainty like our Heinz 57.
Very clever but love to plonk on your lap, we can't have cats here so they are the next best thing. Love to climb and curl up in the heat.

.

I love Papillons! I've never actually met one, but I really really want one.

Hagar

I love Dobermans, clean sleek short hair, very playful, quiet, totally a one man dog.

lorebringer

Cavaliers, and Spaniels in general. Setters are fab dogs too, as are quite a few of the listed breeds (I have a terrible soft spot for Rotties).

Hellrazer

homer_simpson wrote: »

Hard to beat a good labrador, ive grown up around them i know how to train them (the basics), they are aways full of beans and eger to do pretty much anything ya instruct them too, i am yet to come across an angry lab, they bark and sometimes look mean (mine has a very angry sounding bark) but never seen on with any intent.

P.S. my grandfather has an 18 year old black lab/cross, i must get some pics of here for here, you can tell she is old slow movements but still do this days sits in front of me and gives her paw!!!!

+1
Have to agree--Labs are great.Like yourself I grew up around Labs and Lab crosses--Best ever dog with kids--Mine just lets the 2 younger ones do anything they want to her--Theyve even put lipstick and makeup on her at one stage.Theyve put nappies on her,tried to put dresses on her and she just lies there and lets them.Ive never ever seen her angry with anything or anyone but when she goes in to "guard dog" mode her bark is as fierce yet she`d probably lick a burglar to death--its quite funny to see.

I do have a soft spot for Rotties and Staffies aswell but Im really not sure about them with the kids even though people say they are great with kids.

Next dog??Probably a Shiba Inu--always wanted one and have found a reputable breeder in Ireland.

old_aussie

Kelpie, they're loyal, kind, playful and smart, also very agile.

Mine will be 14 next birthday.

morganafay

69 wrote: »

I love Dobermans, clean sleek short hair, very playful, quiet, totally a one man dog.

We had a lovely Doberman in college one day. It was so sweet, when his owner came to collect him he ran over just like a puppy, so playful

adser53

Akitas are my favourite breed of all because they're so intelligient, loyal, family orientated, friendly and regal! I think they're the most "human-like" breed I've ever come across! They're also stunning looking dogs and they are fantastic house dogs and don't get under your feet or demolish the house in an excited frenzy (no whipping tail knocking over cups and such lol)

morganafay wrote: »

I love Cavaliers because they're always incredible friendly, energetic, easy to care for and a little bit because they're pretty dogs They also are quite cat-like, they love sitting on your lap all day, and I love cats.

+1 on this, the only small dogs I like are cavs for these exact reasons (although I don't like cats ) They also have huge personalities in such a small package!

planetX

Irish Terriers for their independent spirit (aka disobedience;)), and lovely deep bark.

dancingqueen

Daschunds for their ability to make you laugh, even if your world is falling down. The way they curl on your lap to go to sleep and then hop around licking you to death to remind you they love you.

perri winkles

TERRIERS! All types but I love mongrels, have two myself.

I love their feisty personality, so entertaining always make me laugh!

Piste

Beagles because of their floppy ears, the look of intense concentration when they smell food (or anything interesting!)- nose down, tail up. The way they're so gentle and even-tempered, the big sad eyes, they way they look like their ears are going to flap so hard they might just take off like a helicoptor when they run.

I'm not sure about all beagles, but what I love about mine is the way she acts all dominant and tough during the day, but at night when she's tired she curls up on our laps to sleep and pokes her little snout under our arms to hider her eyes from the light. I love the way she reminds me of a little piglet, her little snout is very piggy-like and she's always snuffling at stuff. She also squeals if she's done something naughty and has been put outside.

I love picking her up and singing "cirlce of life" because she reminds me of Simba.

morganafay

Piste wrote: »

I love picking her up and singing "cirlce of life" because she reminds me of Simba.

hahaha, you are awesome!

Piste

Haha, she doesn't seem to think so, usually she's calm and puts up with it, but sometimes she squirms and is like "wtf? put me down, weirdo" so I don't do it too often.

panthera

kerry blue terrier because they have great individual spirit, they are fiercely loyal and they are well ble to defend themselves:p

arybvtcw0eolkf

I'd have to say Staffordshire Bull Terriers, for their strength of character, tenacity, their love of people and in particular children and for their sheer love of life.

I've never seen a dog which from day one grabs life by the scruff of the neck and lets loose with it.

CreedonsDogDayc

Siberian Huskies have always been my dream dog, ever since I knew what one was! They are just so striking and from a distance appear so wild.

My sister ended up surprising me with one back in September, and I just love the breed even more now, would love to rescue some more when I have the room.

After that it has to be jack russells, or any JRT cross, they are just

full of bravado and yet full of love,
full of energy get happy to snooze for hours between fun,
so small yet such a big personality,

they are the dog full of contradictions!

After that,,,, any giant dog. Great danes, neufies, cross breeds. The bigger the better, so nice to hug and cuddle!

pikachucheeks

The two best pets I ever owned were a golden retriever and a collie-red setter mix.
Both dogs were very fun-loving, energetic and people-friendly.

I love all kinds of dogs but my current favourite is probably pug. I've never owned one myself, I just base my opinions on my mum's experience with one and from what I've read / seen.

I've heard that they have a good temperament and are very affectionate, lively dogs. Plus, their small size is ideal for me, as I'm not sure I could handle the likes of a lab or a golden retriever on my own. Also, my current house would be far too restrictive for a large dog.

I think I also like pugs because of their appearance. I know a lot of people consider them to be ugly dogs, but I think they're adorable! The button nose, the big eyes and face wrinkles ... aww

racso1975

This will sound silly but i prefer big dogs. I love my mastiff being big and playful. Loads to cuddle and love. Very clingy though. Truly a one master dog! Dad has a weimariner. Lovely dog. Always wanted a blood hound too. Had a bassett previously. Just realised i seem to like short haired dogs too!

racso1975

This will sound silly but i prefer big dogs. I love my mastiff being big and playful. Loads to cuddle and love. Very clingy though. Truly a one master dog! Dad has a weimariner. Lovely dog. Always wanted a blood hound too. Had a bassett previously. Just realised i seem to like short haired dogs too!

homer simpson

racso1975 wrote: »

This will sound silly but i prefer big dogs. I love my mastiff being big and playful. Loads to cuddle and love. Very clingy though. Truly a one master dog! Dad has a weimariner. Lovely dog. Always wanted a blood hound too. Had a bassett previously. Just realised i seem to like short haired dogs too!

Nothing silly about it, no offense to all the toy dog owners but i see them pointless! i usually laugh when i see a wee fart of a dog pulling the arm off its owner while out for a walk. what exactly do they do? apart from look cute?

morganafay

homer_simpson wrote: »

Nothing silly about it, no offense to all the toy dog owners but i see them pointless! i usually laugh when i see a wee fart of a dog pulling the arm off its owner while out for a walk. what exactly do they do? apart from look cute?

I don't like most small dog breeds that much, but some are just the same as large dogs in personality! My oldest Cavalier definitely thinks she's a Springer Spaniel! I can't think of anything a big dog can do that a small dog can't? She loves exercise, chasing a ball, swimming, playing, anything really.

Also they're just easier/cheaper to look after. And I'm not strong enough to walk large dogs!

Pretty_Pistol

homer_simpson wrote: »

Nothing silly about it, no offense to all the toy dog owners but i see them pointless! i usually laugh when i see a wee fart of a dog pulling the arm off its owner while out for a walk. what exactly do they do? apart from look cute?

I'm not a fan of toy dogs (except Cavs) either but I wouldn't call them pointless. They don't have the ability to do what working dogs can but they are companion dogs so they are doing exactly what they were bred for.

On topic my favourite breeds are:

I love golden retrievers for the reasons already given. They are just so sociable. All around good dog except for maybe guarding.

German Shepherds for their intelligence, loyalty and protectiveness. I love this breed.

I love how striking and proud Dobermans look. I don't have any experience with them so don't know what they are like to be around. I don't think I've ever seen any in Dublin.

lrushe

Arielle Big Rattle wrote: »

I'd have to say Staffordshire Bull Terriers, for their strength of character, tenacity, their love of people and in particular children and for their sheer love of life.

I've never seen a dog which from day one grabs life by the scruff of the neck and lets loose with it.

Read a good Staffie quote the other day in an owner's manual, the author said the ideal Staffie was originally bred to "go from the pit to the pram", thought it was a great way to describe them

lrushe

homer_simpson wrote: »

Nothing silly about it, no offense to all the toy dog owners but i see them pointless! i usually laugh when i see a wee fart of a dog pulling the arm off its owner while out for a walk. what exactly do they do? apart from look cute?

My Chihuahua goes on an hour walk daily with my other two dogs, she'll go hiking at the weekends, she'll fetch a ball or stick, she'll bark if she feels her family or home are in danger, she can 'sit, stay, lie down' with the best of them. She has us in stitches when she wrestles our Rottie ( and wins!!) and because she is allowed in more places than big dogs she is my constant companion.
As for just being cute, she's guilty as charged!!!

Stacey.x

i have a black labrador.
i love labradors best, because they are loyal... and have lovely faces.
aha, very pretty dogs i would say.
and so nice-natured too.

kkelly77

My favourite dog breed is the one with a good owner at the other end of the lead

morganafay

Pretty_Pistol wrote: »

I'm not a fan of toy dogs (except Cavs) either but I wouldn't call them pointless. They don't have the ability to do what working dogs can but they are companion dogs so they are doing exactly what they were bred for.

Exactly! For me, a dog is a companion, first and foremost, so they are perfect

All I want a dog to do is play, cuddle, give kisses, and be well behaved and friendly

neil_hosey

Have a 2 year old shih tzu. Have to say past 2 years has been the funniest time of my life with this dog. They have a very strange personality and LOVE playing, very intelligent, but can be very stubborn at times.. ie call her after shouting at her and she wont even look at you. Tell her to lie down from across the room with food in ur hand and shes over in a shot on the ground

paultf

Cocker spaniels. I love them because they are very loyal, great companions and great friends. They are medium in size, up for long walks but at the same time house dogs. I have 2 at the moment and I am getting another new pup next week. Can't wait!

iguana

My favourites are those who have a farming/country working background, especially Border Collies and Springer Spaniels, for their intelligence and their utter joie de vivre. (I also love Sprollies;)). I grew up with collies and my parents still have one and I have two springers. The Guardian Dog Guide recently described springers as being like a Golden Retriver that's had a double esspresso and I think it sums them up nicely.:D And Border Collies are just so damn intelligent and eager to please, I adore them.

I love how both breeds have such boundless enthusiasm, whether it's learning new tricks, playing games or just running and running and running. I also love how they just don't tire out and can go and go and go (mostly, on occasion I find myself wishing I had goldfish instead). I think no matter what is wrong in your world watching a dog who just loves life so purely can't help but give you a lift.

My very favourite thing is that they are just so sure that whatever they love, you love. That look on their faces when they come up to you after running through a filthy, noxious, stinkpond and they are so pleased with their nasty aroma and muddy coating and are awaiting your praise and admiration is priceless. I'm clearly a complete masochist. :D

morganafay

iguana wrote: »

My favourites are those who have a farming/country working background, especially Border Collies and Springer Spaniels, for their intelligence and their utter joie de vivre. (I also love Sprollies;)). I grew up with collies and my parents still have one and I have two springers. The Guardian Dog Guide recently described springers as being like a Golden Retriver that's had a double esspresso and I think it sums them up nicely.:D And Border Collies are just so damn intelligent and eager to please, I adore them.:(:D

I love Sprollies too! And I love Springers. We had one for most of my life, and he was so lovely. Completely mad though, never trained, and I think he taught my Cavalier to be mad too! I'd definitely get one again if I had a big garden/some land, but we've moved to a house with a small garden now. My dad wants to get one but not til I move out and take my dogs with me because "they'd teach it bad habits"!

mymo

I have to say I love any friendly waggy dog, I fell in love with Tibetan terriers when I was about 10, I met a pair of the funniest, hairiest, bouncing balls of fun and saw them often, they were just like kids, playing hide and seek and jumping out at you. It took me a long time to finally get one and he is so much fun, He jumps in puddles(especially if he can splash you), pokes us in the bum then runs away or hides until you go find him, and bounces on the bed. He loves to do whatever we're doing, hates being alone even for a few mins(So we got him a little friend, see below) and loves a cuddle on the sofa. They are a bit stubborn, can be hard to train(so I'm told, he's been pretty good so long as its fun for him) and definitely have a sense of humour(and you need one too). My dream would be to have the space, time and money for about half a dozen of them.
I also have a Lhasa Apso and they're quite alike in many ways, she is very cute and knows it and thinks she's a cat at times(she pounces on things like a cat, and chases mice). They get on great. I'd love another Lhasa too, but at the moment its not an option.

boodlesdoodles

Whilst I've already expressed my love for Westies, my other favourite dog would be a labrador and a black one at that like we had at home when I was a teenager. But I'm realistic that it won't happen as my back garden isn't big enough and I would never do that to a dog that likes to have plenty of room to nose around. The Westie is always finding new smells but I think a big dog deserves a big garden, long walks just aren't enough.

pitbull_fanatic

well u could have two dogs of different breed but have the exact same personality but for me its the staffys and pitbulls.

there determination and loyalty and predictability is one of a kind. their face will tell a story in a second! my staffy does weight pulling and my pit opens doors at night and we wake up next morning with the staffy at the end of the bed by our feet and the pit between us with his head on the pillow!!

BanzaiBk

Cairn terriers! Obedient, placid, friendly, faces that look like ^o_o^ most of the time and capable of digging holes in the most inconvenient of places. Plus they attract shrill adults exclaiming "Toto!" when you're out for walks.

Irishcrx

Siberian Huskys for their loving and friendly personalitys, their always playfull nature, their gentleness and attentivness, their humour and never ending energy. Really love this breed definate my favourite, excellent temperments when trained and raised right.

German Shepards aswell for their loyalty, love for their family and obiedience and that cute tilted head look she gives me when she gets confused

the_syco

lrushe wrote: »

My fav would be the good 'ole German Shephard, I don't think they can be beat for looks, intelligence and loyality, they are the whole package imo of course

Agreed.

boodlesdoodles wrote: »

I love Westies, and especially the one I have. They have great sense of fun, and their strong determined character and spirit make them great to be around. There's never a dull moment with them and mad half hour every evening when he runs laps of the living room never ceases to make me laugh.

Also this. The one I have is completely mad, and if they see anything out of the ordinary (or think they see something) she goes mental. Also loves the snow.

Hermit07

I love the Italian Spinone

Large rugged hairy gundog breed who can work or play all day, never get tired.

If you think of the flying dragon in the Neverending story, well that is similar to the Spinone. They are fabulous family dogs. It is written in their breed standard about how good they are with children. They have an almost human like expression with bushy beard and eyebrows.

I also love Staffies, rotties, JRT's, danes, & GSDs

If I could I would have several of each:D

ISDW

For me its definitely Siberian Huskies. I love the way they chat away to me, the woowooing always makes me smile, we have one dog here called Rooney (already called that when he came) whom I have renamed Wooney cos he never stops talking:D I love their playfulness - not so much their destructiveness.

The greatest thing for me is getting out and working them, having that bond between us, me trusting them, and them trusting me. Went over to the UK last week and ran two dogs on Salisbury Plain, miles upon miles of tank tracks. Went careering down hills at breakneck speed, scarey, but knowing my dogs will keep going and keep me safe is amazing. Just giving one word commands and they turn left or right. And seeing them tired and happy afterwards is fantastic. Great, great dogs.

lisar201

I have to say my fav breed is a rottie! Absolutely fabulious dog! and brillant with kids, My grandmother breed them so i grew up with them as a child,we would pull and hang out of them and they never turn! brillant dog! I have a 5 month old bitch and she is amazing and extremely clever,they show a very clown like behaviour towards their owners and are just so loveable!Mine chats away to me all the time it hilarious!It's just a shame the negative press they have recived from a handfull of bad owners because they really do make a fabulious dog mine would lick you to death before she's bite someone and all my grandmothers where the same

Bigtoe107

Staffies are my favorite breed, I love their loyalty, energy and playfulness. Plus there great with kids and don't require hours of grooming all they want is to be near their owner.

Although i hate the negative stereotype's and over-hyped stories in the news about them, when in my experience at least staffies are among the most predictable and friendly dogs.

jolter

always have a soft spot for terriers for their feisty independent nature.

jujuB

lrushe wrote: »

A close second would be almost any of the bully breeds, they have such an amazing integrity to them and are so genuine they would lay down their lives for their master, two trait which are often exploited by the wrong people

I couldn't agree more! I have the most beautiful Rottweiler, she is such a baby. I got her when she was 5 months old from a horrible dog breeder (who has been stopped by the local dog warden) she was shy and very nervous. It used to make me seethe when people commented on how nervous she was, "That can't be good" "I would never trust a nervous Rottweiler" etc. Is nobody willing to give animals like my pet a chance in life?? She has come on leaps and bounds and she is now almost 4 years old. We live in a huge housing estate and we were a bit nervous about how the neighbours would react having a Rottweiler living next door (It's awful how we have to be so negative about peoples reactions) But they are amazed by her and love having such a great pet living so close to them. In fact, I know a lot of people that have been sttacked/bitten by dogs in the past and NONE of them were Rottweiler's, German Shepards, Staffies, Dobermans etc, they were all terriers and smaller breeds. She has never and I repeat never shown any agressive behaviour towards anything or anyone in her life, I just wish that people would give "bully breeds" a chance, it is in fact the people that own them that give them bad reputations. It absolutely infuriates me!!!

cowzerp

Rotties are big strong and good looking dogs, with a friendly attitude, there the perfect dog to me, top class guard aswell and top pet who love to play and cuddle what more could you want in a dog, the complete package.

lrushe

cowzerp wrote: »

top pet who love to play and cuddle what more could you want in a dog, the complete package.

This is so true!! As much as I love the two other breeds I owe there is nothing like the big bear hug you can give to a Rottie!!!